Highlights This cross-sectional study was conducted during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. Higher level of perceived stress due to the COVID-19 epidemic was related with more emotional distress. Stress related increase in emotional distress is mediated by boredom proneness. Positive coping strategies act as a buffer in alleviating emotional distress under stress.

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Highlights This longitudinal study was implemented at two timepoints, i.e., during the peak and the remission of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear significantly decreased over time, while depression level significantly increased during the second wave compared to the first wave of the survey. Younger age, lower-income, increased level of perceived stress, and current quarantine experience were significant predictors of depression escalation. The use of negative coping strategy plays a potential intermediating role in the stress-related increase in hostility, while social support acts as a buffer in hostility in the general population under high stress.